Hardware verification precedes boundary scan tests

Intelligent tools for interactive hardware verification are added to the System Cascon boundary scan software platform.

Goepel Electronic has developed a new generation of intelligent tools for interactive hardware verification as part of its System Cascon boundary scan software platform.

The new ScanAssist tools enable the real-time activation and analysis of individually defined logic states directly in the target hardware (pin/net toggler) without prior test program generation.

They feature an unrivalled intelligence, and automatically identify potentially unsafe or hardware harming vectors as well as logic states of non-boundary-scan nets and pins (cluster logic).

The new tool suite is complemented by next generation interactive graphical visualiser Scan Vision III, which has been developed with Aster Technologies within the frame of an OEM agreement.

In addition to the native schematic and layout crossprobing, this tool offers the innovation to apply a data flow oriented, virtual schematic for interactive logic probing in a completely integrated development environment.

"With the new tools we're the first vendor to close the gap between the requirements to graphically analyse logic states of the target hardware fast and flexible".

"Additionally, it's now possible to eliminate target hardware damages by faulty vectors and to involve non-boundary-scan circuit parts into the verification at the same time", says Thomas Wenzel, Managing Director Boundary Scan Division at Goepel Electronic.

"Based on the tight co-operation with Aster Technologies, we're now able to enormously enhance our second generation boundary scan visualisation capability".

"The entire solution sets new patterns in particular for a fast, flexible and safe prototype hardware verification (rapid prototype test)".

Christophe Lotz, Managing Director of Aster Technologies adds: "We are pleased to be associated with Goepel Electronics and have the opportunity to demonstrate the seamless integration of our advanced board viewing technology within Scan Vision III.

It is a clear indication of Aster's continued commitment to work closely with the industry's leading test equipment suppliers".

The new ScanAssist interactive pin toggler complements the existing ScanAssist multimode debugger, building a complete debug tool suite.

The new tool uses the central database of System Cascon, and in active state initialises all boundary scan structures and administrates the test vectors.

That means, the user doesn't need any knowledge about specific TAP control sequences and operation mode, and can concentrate on verification tasks.

Logic levels can be provided in object browsers and ASCII files as well as in schematic and layout visualiser.

The ScanAssist interactive pin toggler can reach an especially high performance in combination with the innovative Scan Vision III visualisers, which can be completely integrated.

Besides standard functions they enable a net and pin oriented colour presentation of logic states and fault states.

The virtual schematic principle enables the synthetic combination of native schematic sectors, and so improves the debug process efficiency.

A tracing of the entire debug session is possible because all user interactions are recorded separately.

Single toggles can be summarised in groups and put out in vector forms.

Additionally, there's the option to export single or all recorded vectors as a Caslan test program.

In this context, the ScanAssist interactive pin-toggler can be used as a tool for interactive test program generation.

ScanAssist and Scan Vision III will be integral parts of System Cascon from Version 4.4 on, activated by licence manager.

This release will be provided in the early third quarter 2007, and will be free of charge for all users with valid software maintenance contract.

All tools are compatible with all boundary scan controllers based on PCI, USB2.0, LAN, PCIe, PXI, PXIe, VXI, Fire Wire, and Scanflex and ScanBooster product lines.

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